North Korea "Test Fires New Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile from Submarine"... Kim Jong-un Absent (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] North Korea announced that it conducted a test launch of a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from a submarine. Officials from the Military Industry Department and the National Defense Science Institute observed the test, but Kim Jong-un, the General Secretary of the Workers' Party, did not participate.

Korean Central News Agency reported on the 20th, "The National Defense Science Institute of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea conducted a test launch of a new submarine-launched ballistic missile on the 19th."

The test launch was supervised by Yu Jin, head of the Central Committee, Kim Jeong-sik, deputy head of the Military Industry Department of the Central Committee, and senior officials of the National Defense Science Institute.

North Korea claimed that the SLBM was launched from a submarine. The agency stated, "The National Defense Science Institute, having successfully launched the first submarine-launched strategic ballistic missile five years ago to demonstrate the Republic's military strength aboard the '8.24 Hero Ship,' has once again achieved success with a new type of submarine-launched ballistic missile, proudly reporting loyalty to the Party Central Committee."

The National Defense Science Institute explained that the new SLBM incorporates advanced guidance technologies such as lateral maneuvering and gliding leap maneuvers, stating, "It will greatly contribute to the advancement of the country's defense technology and the enhancement of our navy's underwater operational capabilities."